Kip Keino Classic promises lightning-fast times — says meet organisers

Workers marking the lines at the new Nyayo tartan track/ HANDOUT 

The Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour Gold meeting has promised a night of blistering times when the seventh edition of the spectacle roars to life on April 24 from 4 pm to 9 pm at Nyayo National Stadium.

‎Meet director Barnaba Korir revealed that early renovations at Nyayo were a deliberate move to avoid the setbacks that derailed last year’s plans.

‎“Last year, we had issues with the stadium, and we were not able to host Kip Keino at Nyayo. But this year everything is done,” Korir said.

‎“We now have a new tartan track, a Mondo surface, installed last year, and we brought in a surveyor from World Athletics to ensure the stadium meets the required standards,” he added.

‎Owen Malone, a Diamond League technical director for Shanghai, Brussels and Xiamen meetings, believes the upgraded surface is primed to deliver explosive performances. ‎“It is a Mondo track, which is very fast and very popular with sprinters,” he said.

‎“We have a major advantage in Nairobi because we are at an altitude between 1700 and 1800 metres, meaning there is less air resistance.”

‎He explained that, unlike conventional tracks, the Mondo surface is firmer, offering superior energy return, a crucial ingredient for sprint success.

‎“The sprinters understand this, and that is why it is easy for us to attract top-level athletes. This track is hard and gives excellent energy return,” he noted.

‎“We can expect very fast times, especially in the sprints. The altitude can be a bit challenging for distance runners, but with Kenya’s depth of talent, we should still see quality races.”

‎Malone further revealed that the new track is on course to receive certification from World Athletics within weeks. ‎“Everything is looking good. The first certification report will be sent to World Athletics next week, and it could be approved within two to three weeks,” he said.

‎In a move set to elevate both performance and spectacle, this year’s Kip Keino Classic will also introduce WaveLight technology, a feature synonymous with elite Diamond League meetings.

‎The digital pacing system uses LED lights along the inside rail of the track, flashing at pre-set speeds to guide athletes towards target times, whether world records or personal bests, while enhancing the viewing experience. ‎“We want to try wave lights this time because they help produce fast times and give athletes something to follow,” Korir explained.

‎‎“If we are targeting specific times in an event, the system allows athletes to track the pace easily and hit those marks,”

‎‎Korir added that a team of experts has already inspected the facility to ensure the technology can be seamlessly integrated. ‎“We have already had a team here for inspections, and discussions are ongoing on how best to incorporate it into the programme,” he said.

‎‎Malone echoed the optimism, noting that preparations are firmly on track. ‎“It has been a very fruitful three days working together with Sports Kenya and Athletics Kenya in preparation for the event,” he said.

‎‎The Belgian highlighted timing systems, sports equipment and broadcast presentation as key focus areas. ‎“We have been concentrating on competition equipment, timing systems, television production and overall event presentation. Everything looks very good, and we are ahead of schedule compared to previous years.”

‎‎Korir also pointed out that the shift to an evening programme, a departure from past afternoon editions, is aimed at boosting global visibility. ‎“In most major events, including the Diamond League and other Continental Tour meetings, races are held in the evening. It is much better for television production and global viewership,” he said.